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Q: Patient Discharge From Medical Provider
asked by: Wells66 on September 2nd, 2006
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
A friend told me that they were discharge from their medical provider. They have diabetes, they went in for their blood work and reconfirmed their appointment the following week. However, they received a letter from their diabetes doctor stating that they were discharged and could not use anyone else in their facility. This is the only facility in this city to get care for their diabetes. Can a doctor discharge a patient without discussing with them the reason why? They also did not put a reason why in the letter. My friend has been uder the care of this doctor about a year, and has excellent medical insurance, does not owe any money to the provider, and has a wonderful attitude. Please help?
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ketoret replied on July 13th, 2008
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Patient Discharge
I believe a doctor has the right to refuse treatment to anyone they choose. My daughter who is 20 now was diagnosed when she was 10 for type 1. She was good until she reached about 17 and then stopped taking care of herself and would lie about her insulin and her readings. when we take her to the doctor we couldnt figure out why her numbers were still high. Duh!!!! after about a year of this, the doctor would not treat her anymore....we found another doctor but by then she's 18 and doing the same thing. she wont take care of herself so that doctor dismissed her as well.

I hope your friend had their levels under control that may be the reason why
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Sydney123456 replied on July 14th, 2008
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Yeah...you see this actually a lot with chronic illnesses (like diabetes). What I've seen is that if a doc feels they cannot help the patient (or they are not following what the doc says), they will no longer treat them.

Luckily, I've never had this problem. However, I do suggest your friend call the doc/facility and DEMAND a referral. If they will not treat him/her, the doc needs to give your friend other options. Even if the Ha1C or numbers are a little shakey, I would imagine they need to help her/him find something else. And yes...your friend needs make sure the numbers are under control. No doctor is going to take on an unstable patient. And, health insurance can take away coverage if the diabetes is not under control also. Diabetic NEED that insurance! Desperately! So, the blood sugar needs to be good.

Was this an endocrinologist? Or, diabetes educator? Do you know what the title of this doc was? That will help find a replacement.

Ketoret, I had the same experience as your daughter. It's REALLY tough during this time. I was diagnosed when I was 4, and I rebelled from ages 12-17 with my numbers. And, college is just HORRIBLE for diabetes. Does your daughter have a set schedule in her life? Once I got a career in teaching, my diabetes has been turned on it's head- I'm being praised for my ability to stay under control. A stable environment and schedule is very important.
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aflsh replied on July 20th, 2008
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I think the Dr. should still be giving you a reason for no longer treating you even if they think you are not taking care of yourself. If you were taking good care of yourself and your numbers were really good, and you had no complications, why would you be going to a Dr. in the first place? I would think that if you are having problems, that is when you need support the most, right?
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Sydney123456 replied on July 21st, 2008
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Generally, Dr's will try and work with you on problems. I haven't been through many, but I've had a tough time with diabetes. They were all very willing to work with me, despite my issues.

If you are chronically falling off the horse (as they say) and not following the dr's directions, why would they continue treating you? As someone told me, it's like beating their head against a brick if you aren't following their directions.

And...diabetics need to see an endocronologist/general practictioner every 4-6 months, regardless of the care of their diabetes. These past 3 months, I've seen 4 diff docs (eye, teeth, dietician, endo). Yes, you should be seeing people if you are having problems, but if you're not willing to be helped...why should they help?
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